The Night Before Christmas >> 20 Stunning Resorts on Xmas Eve

 

Wish you were there right now?  –  We do!

 

Here’s 20 of the most choc-box-perfect alpine resorts.

 

See how they’re celebrating a very cool Yule!

 

 

 

Zell am See, Austria

Zell’s festive offerings include a Christmas Market, complete with music and children’s activities as well as a ‘Magical Christmas Train’ ride through the town.

 

 

 

 

 

St Moritz, Switzerland

Passenger rides on vintage bobsleighs are the highlight this Christmas Eve – if it’s anything like previous years, St Moritz will see the locals celebrate with the likes of carolling and Christmas Eve feasts.

 

 

 

 

 

Kitzbühel, Austria

Local artists have created a lovely nativity scene to accompany Kitzbühel’s Christmas Market in the medieval town centre – the market is open today, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

 

 

 

 

 

Crans Montana, Switzerland

Little ones can meet Santa under the Christmas tree for photos and gifts, and later on in the evening, Santa will be serving cocktails in the Casino…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arabba, Italy

Santa Claus pays a visit to the town centre on his horse-drawn sleigh, bringing Christmas gifts to children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Les Carroz, France

Families can visit the Christmas Carpentry workshop and have a go at some Christmas decoration making before the arrival of Santa Claus himself.

 

 

 

 

 

St Anton, Austria

As always, there’s sure to be a cracking party at the Mooserwirt and Krazy Kangruh and the local restaurants will be dishing up some fabulous Christmas Eve dinners.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Les 2 Alpes, France

Christmas Eve’s fun and games here include Gingerbread man decorating, a torchlight parade and ESF show with free Vin Chaud and Hot Chocolate… and of course meetings and photos with Santa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chamonix, France

Head to Les Houches for sweets, music and hot chocolate – look out for Santa who stops by for photo opportunities before his round the world trip…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nendaz, Switzerland 

Anyone can join in or watch the Christmas Eve carol singing by the ice rink, getting into the Christmas spirit before Santa paraglides (yes, paraglides!) into the resort tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meribel, France

Plans for this evening include Christmas carols and the all-important visit from Father Christmas, with free hot drinks outside the tourist office. There’s also a Christmas Eve Mass at the Olympic Ice Rink.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cortina, Italy

Cortina holds a traditional Christmas market on Corso Italia and advent image number 24 will be projected onto the walls of the city hall. Tomorrow, Cortina Music Band bring musical greetings in traditional costume.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Megeve, France

Megeve is transformed into ‘Christmas Village’ at this time of year, with baking and craft workshops for children, regular story readings and much more… Christmas Eve is the climax with the visit of Father Christmas on his sleigh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corvara, Italy

Corvara’s Traditional Christmas market started at the beginning of December and will keep going until the 4^th of January – but it’s particularly magic on Christmas Eve (not to mention great for last minute stocking fillers…).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Val Thorens, France

Children will love Father Christmas’ cabin, with its Elf fanfare and meetings with Santa and there’s also a ski show and torchlit descent on the 24^th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Klosters, Switzerland

Meet Santa and his helper in Klosters, who will take you to Rütiwald to experience ‘Holy Night in the forest’ with Christmas songs, mulled wine and punch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Val d’Isere, France

Val is another of Father Christmas’ ski resort stop-offs on Christmas Eve, here he brings along Mother Christmas and other fairy-tale characters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ischgl, Austria

While there are more than enough bars for a toast to Christmas Eve’s past, present and future, the main event here is on Boxing Day this year, when the ‘Christmas In The Mountains’ event features carols from around the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zermatt, Switzerland

Instead of Santa, Wolli, the resort’s friendly sheep mascot and the Christmas angel ride through the town on a horse-drawn carriage, giving out gifts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Courchevel, France

Today won’t be the first day Father Christmas visits Courchevel, he started off in Le Praz on Sunday and is making his way through the villages on top of other events like music performances on the streets and children’s workshops.

 

 

 

 

If you’re out there now or heading back soon, send us your Christmas ski pics!

 

 

Want someone to “get the hint” of what you’d like for Xmas?  SHARE with hash tag #SNOidea 😉